I was browsing grinders today & came across a new one from Baratza. It's called the Forte. It looks interesting. There are a bunch of new features, but apparently we'll have to wait to see what shape & size the burrs are.

Not only was the grinder on display at SCAA but it was also in use. IIRC there were 4 out on the show floor. I liked what I saw. I believe the grind adjustment sliders have more solid-feeling detents, and of course the whole thing seems much more robust thanks to all the metal. With a few tweaks it will probably be ready to go before too long, I'm guessing. My only niggle had to do with the hopper; it does, indeed, close off for easier bean removal, but once it's gone there are still beans left behind in the throat of the grinder.

Anecdotally, I had a number of Chemex and Kalita brews made with Forte-ground coffee, and they were quite good. Maybe a barista who gained more hands-on experience there will be able to chime in with details. Either way, no changes have been made to the burrs AFAIK, so I'd expect Vario-like performance.

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